Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has concluded South Africa's citrus export season with a 19% year-on-year increase in volumes handled across the country's ports.
According to TPT, South Africa experienced one of its best logistical citrus seasons, with the Durban Multipurpose Terminal handling 131% higher volumes than in the previous year. The Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 also recorded a 28.8% year-on-year increase in citrus volume throughput.
The Ngqura Container Terminal handled 35% more volume than last year, while the Cape Town Container Terminal recorded a 27.4% year-on-year increase.
TPT invested about US$183 million (R3.4 billion) in equipment over the past year, allowing container terminals to operate with new and upgraded cargo-handling machinery during the citrus export season. The new assets included straddle carriers, reach stackers, empty container handlers, haulers, trailers, and rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
TPT commercial and planning general manager Michelle van Buren Schele said this year marked a strong operational result for the group. She attributed the logistics performance to a larger citrus crop, improved terminal efficiency, and closer collaboration with customers and stakeholders.
The company plans to invest an additional US$216 million (R4 billion) in the current financial year to procure new operating equipment for five terminals.
Source: Engineering News
